Cervical Rhizotomy

What Is the Nervous System?

The nervous system can be thought of as the body’s information network. Nerve cells, called neurons, send electrical signals back and forth throughout the body. These signals carry sensory information, instructions for movement, and more. When neurons are damaged, this flow is disrupted. The damaged neurons send faulty information or, sometimes, no information at all.

What Is Cervical Rhizotomy?

Cervical rhizotomy is a surgical procedure that takes advantage of the nervous system to treat chronic neck pain. It works by killing the neurons responsible for transmitting pain signals. This disrupts the signal, effectively eliminating pain. Rhizotomy provides several years of total relief before pain returns.

What Does Endoscopic Cervical Rhizotomy Treat?

Cervical rhizotomy targets pain in the neck, or cervical section of the spine. It can be used to address a variety of nerve conditions by destroying the impinged or damaged nerve. It can also treat other forms of chronic pain by disrupting the pain signals. NU-Spine uses rhizotomy for the following diagnoses:

• Cervical myelopathy
• Cervical radiculopathy
• Pinched cervical nerve
• Cervical stenosis
• Cervical herniated disc
• Cervical slipped disc
• Cervical facet syndrome
• Neck injury

Most neck pain treatments begin with conservative methods like rest, medication, or a supportive brace. When a patient is struggling with severe pain, however, these methods may not provide the relief they need. Cervical rhizotomy offers long-term relief when other methods fail.

Who Performs Endoscopic Cervical Rhizotomy at NU-Spine?

Like other surgical procedures, cervical rhizotomy is performed by Branko Skovrlj, MD, an award-winning neurosurgeon who focuses exclusively on spine surgeries. Though his expertise covers a wide variety of procedures, he favors minimally invasive procedures like cervical rhizotomy. He is an active researcher who works hard to improve these methods, helping to make them available for a broader range of neck and back conditions.

Dr. Skovrlj understands that neck pain is a difficult subject. This is why he establishes relationships with his patients. By treating everyone with compassion and a down-to-earth attitude, he makes it easier for patients to open up about their pain.

How Is Endoscopic Cervical Rhizotomy Performed?

Like other surgical procedures, endoscopic cervical rhizotomy is performed at a state-of-the-art NU-Spine facility. It is most often performed under general anesthesia. This means that patients sleep through the procedure. Once the anesthesia has taken effect, Dr. Skovrlj completes the rhizotomy following these steps:

1. Dr. Skovrlj makes a tiny incision over the target area in the neck.
2. Using a series of tubular retractors, Dr. Skovrlj creates a path to the problematic nerve without cutting through muscle and soft tissue.
3. Dr. Skovrlj inserts an endoscope into the opening. An endoscope is a tiny camera mounted on a flexible tube. It provides real-time video feedback to guide the operation.
4. Using the endoscope’s video feed as guidance, Dr. Skovrlj locates the problematic nerve.
5. Dr. Skovrlj may activate the nerve with a mild electrical impulse. This is to check and ensure that he has selected the correct nerve.
6. Dr. Skovrlj severs the nerve fibers without damaging nearby tissue.
7. He removes the surgical tools and closes the incision with stitches.

Endoscopic cervical rhizotomy takes 30 minutes to an hour to complete. Afterward, the patient spends several hours in a recovery room to wake up from anesthesia and ensure that the procedure was successful. Most patients can go home on the same day as their procedure.

Recovery from Endoscopic Cervical Rhizotomy

It is common to have some pain, swelling, or bruising at the operation site. This pain should go away after a few days. Most patients can return to normal activities, including work, within a week of the surgery. However, strenuous activities and heavy lifting should be avoided until the patient is cleared by the surgeon. 

Results from Cervical Rhizotomy

Cervical rhizotomy provides immediate and nearly complete relief from back pain. Patients can get back to the activities they enjoyed before their condition began. They experience better sleep, an improved mood, and less reliance on relief medications. This relief lasts for several years before the nerve regrows. At this point, patients may discuss a second rhizotomy with their physician to maintain the positive results of the first.

Like most procedures, rhizotomy does not have a 100% success rate. Some patients may not experience complete relief after rhizotomy. If the pain lingers or returns, patients may consult Dr. Skovrlj about the next steps. A second rhizotomy, a different type of rhizotomy, or a different cervical procedure may provide the relief patients are seeking.

Find Neck Pain Relief Near You in New Jersey

If you are struggling with treatment-resistant pain, now is the time to transform your life with a touch of care. NU-Spine: The Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Institute is a New Jersey surgical center that specializes in providing minimally invasive treatments, including endoscopic cervical rhizotomy, to bring patients relief. Our world-renowned neurosurgeon can help you get back to pain-free living. Contact us to learn more or to make an appointment at one of our locations near you in New Jersey.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cervical Rhizotomy

What is an endoscopic cervical rhizotomy?

An endoscopic cervical rhizotomy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that uses an endoscope to access and target specific nerve roots in the cervical spine. It is a treatment for chronic pain in the cervical, or neck, section of the spine. It works by killing the nerve cells responsible for transmitting pain signals. When the nerve is destroyed, pain signals can no longer be sent or processed. This effectively eliminates pain until the nerve regrows.

Who is a good candidate for cervical rhizotomy?

Cervical rhizotomy is most often recommended for patients who are struggling with severe, chronic neck pain that interferes with everyday life, especially if the pain does not get better after conservative treatments like rest, physical therapy, or medication.

How long do the results from a cervical rhizotomy last?

The pain relief provided by the procedure will vary from patient to patient, depending on their condition and overall health. However, the results can last several years before the nerves start to regenerate.